Academic Programs in the Arts

The School of Performing Arts is a vibrant and growing component of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. An intimate school with small class sizes, the school boasts award-winning faculty who work closely with students, emphasizing community and the importance of becoming engaged citizens. Students learn by doing—and that includes performing, directing, composing, designing, and producing. The school presents more than 250 public events annually, ranging from fully mounted contemporary theatre productions to large symphonic concerts to documentary film. Undergraduates and graduate students learn from more than 30 nationally and internationally known guest artists in residencies every year. Not all research comes in a test tube; these fully accredited programs explore the passion and creativity of the human spirit.
Areas of study:

School of Performing Arts auditions are open to all Virginia Tech students; learn more.

School of Visual Arts

The School of Visual Arts, in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies, offers an expansive undergraduate and graduate education in fine art, and visual and digital design. In its curriculum and administration, the school affirms the vital link of the studio artist’s knowledge of traditions, materials, and media; the visual designer’s connection to technology and concept development; and the art historian’s understanding of links to past and contemporary cultures. These programs unite to serve students in their quest to become productive, progressive, and creative forces in society. The School of Visual Arts prepares students to enter professions and graduate programs in the visual arts and visual culture. The school serves the public through events, exhibitions, internships, competitions, workshops, and courses that nourish and renew the vitality of art and design.

Creative Writing Program

A degree in creative writing from the Department of English in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences may be the first step in preparation for any number of possible careers, including (but not limited to): creative manager, research analyst, technical writer, marketer, publicist, curator, fundraiser, archivist, grant writer, public relations coordinator, communications specialist, recruiter, video game developer, publisher, web designer/editor, blogger, television writer, literary consultant, documentary filmmaker, greeting card writer, teacher, journalist, reporter, congressional aide, tutor, lobbyist, literary agent, and—of course—author. Undergraduate students create portfolios under the tutelage of accomplished and prize-winning professors with international reputations while MFA students are all fully funded with options available in fiction and poetry.